2009 Ford Flex: Tester's Comments
2009 Ford Flex ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $28,550 - $36,810
- Invoice: $26,842 - $34,072
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Ford Flex
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2009 Ford Flex. See if the 2009 Ford Flex is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Ford Flex SEL |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | SEL |
| Arrival Date: | 06/19/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 32,070 |
| Price as Tested: | 36,935 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 781 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 1073 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 292 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 18.183 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 16.06 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Convenience Package (Power-adujstable Pedals, Memory System (Driver's Seat, Mirrors, Pedals), 110-Volt Outlet, Power Liftgate), Panoramic Vista Roof, Sync, Lighting Package, White Two-tone Roof
From the Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski
Flex lacks some of the powertrain sophistication that are hallmarks of the class-leading GMC Acadia and Honda Pilot, but the Ford has a nicer interior than both of them. The biggest downside, though, is in addition to competing with rival brands, Ford is competing with itself, as this new crossover will probably steal some Edge sales and will certainly cannibalize Taurus X. In the end, Flex is not the grand slam that Ford so desperately needs right now, but this crossover has a smart blend of utility and comfort wrapped in a stylish package. An inside-the-park solo home run is still a home run.
Jennifer Geiger
Flex fills the spot in Ford's lineup vacated by its aging minivans, but its family-friendly purpose and less-than-fabulous fuel economy carry over. However, Flex's quirky exterior styling (it was ogled everywhere) and unique available features give this people mover a funky edge over traditional minivans.
Tom Appel
Like Ford's Fusion and Five Hundred/Taurus, Flex is a passenger-friendly ride that makes excellent use of space. Unlike those recent intros, Flex is actually stylistically daring. Our pre-production tester suffered from several minor but annoying assembly glitches--panel gaps and what not--and one serious squeak from the dash area. Hopefully these gremlins are eradicated prior to full production. That said, Flex has the power to make a difference for Ford. This cool-looking people mover has space galore, honk and give the thumbs-up styling, and excellent long-highway trip ride comfort. If there isn't a quality bug, I'm calling this a home run.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2009 Ford Flex Limited |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Limited |
| Arrival Date: | 10/09/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 36,555 |
| Price as Tested: | 43,875 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3494 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 5055 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 1561 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 78.841 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 19.8 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
Advertisement
Major Options
Trailer Tow Package (Class III receiver hitch, wiring harness, 4/7 pin connector, engine oil cooler, tire mobility kit), rubber floor mats, 2nd-row bucket seats, panoramic vista roof, 2nd-row floor console, rear console refrigeration, navigation system (includes voice recognition, traffic information, and rearview camera), white two-tone roof
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
Flex is pleasant to drive, very roomy, and quite practical for a big crossover. To my eyes, the exterior is much more stylish than the cabin, but hey that's me. The biggest demerit on our loaded top-of-the-line tester was the window sticker's bottom line. A loaded example can end up in Buick Enclave territory where Flex is outgunned, especially in the interior.
Ed Piotrowski
Flex's styling isn't going to appeal to everyone. Fortunately, the latest Ford crossover has plenty of other stuff going for it. It's quite roomy, very comfortable, and surprisingly refined. It doesn't quite match the overall polish of a GMC Acadia or Mazda CX-9, but Flex is an alternative that's well worth considering.
Rick Cotta
Ford offers not just one or two but FOUR midsize SUVs, and Flex might well be the best of the bunch. Even if you don't like the "box carrying a box" look, Flex offers a strong combination of practicality and driving dynamics that not only make it a must-see SUV, but an attractive minivan alternative as well.
Tom Appel
Why I haven't seen a lowered Flex on 22-inch wheels yet is beyond me. This thing has urban cruiser written all over it. And, while it's not much fun to drive, it is the perfect Posse wagon, with lots of room for people as well as stuff. If you find the Chevrolet Traverse a little shy on bling, Flex might be your thing.
Next Step: Get a price quote from your local dealer ►
